a wave of development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant increase or surge in development activities, often in a specific area or context. Example: "The city experienced a wave of development, with new housing projects and commercial buildings emerging rapidly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

In the 1880s, a wave of development spread through the area north of Houston Street.

The New York Times

Now a wave of development that began in the early 1990's is quickly finishing off much of what remains.

The New York Times - Travel

A neighborhood that had long been starved of resources was now in danger of being hit by a wave of development that could push out longtime residents.

The New York Times - Magazine

The park was established in a wave of development that spurred corporate plazas after changes were made to the city's zoning laws in the early 1960s.

The New York Times

The stakes are high for desalination as many in the industry consider the plant a test case that could trigger a wave of development, especially in thirsty California.

The New York Times

The two six-story buildings on Ocean Avenue are slated for demolition, and the tenants attribute their displacement to a wave of development that has swept the shore town the last few years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

New "hyperscale" data centers from the tech giants, part of a wave of global development, helped lead Prineville to a path of recovery.

The New York Times

Worried that the project will ignite a wave of local development, preservationists have called for the landmarking of roughly 200 buildings south of Union Square.

The New York Times

But because of a wave of new development, and the efforts of community gardeners, almost all of the neighborhood's vacant lots have given way to new buildings and verdant, well-tended urban spaces.

The New York Times

The manager, Dr Dan Mahony, forecasts that we are at the start of a bull market for the healthcare sector, driven by a wave of drug development, government reforms and IT breakthroughs.

The Guardian - Money

With the long-awaited MBTA Green Line extension arriving in Somerville's Union Square in early 2017, the City of Somerville is preparing for a wave of new development in its historic downtown.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of development" to describe a period of significant and widespread growth or construction, especially when emphasizing the transformative impact on an area or industry.

Common error

Avoid pairing "a wave of development" with weak verbs like "happen" or "occur". Instead, use stronger verbs such as "transform", "reshape", or "spur" to convey the dynamic nature of the development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of development" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use to describe periods of significant growth and transformation in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of development" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe periods of significant growth and construction. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. The phrase appears frequently in news reports and analytical pieces, indicating a neutral formality level. While alternatives like ""a surge in construction"" or ""a building boom"" exist, "a wave of development" provides a broader and more encompassing description of transformative changes. Remember to pair it with strong verbs to emphasize the dynamic nature of the development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a building boom

Specifically refers to a period of increased construction activity, implying a rapid increase in new buildings.

a surge in construction

Focuses specifically on building and infrastructure projects, emphasizing the rapid increase in construction activities.

a period of rapid growth

Highlights the speed and intensity of the growth phase, applicable to various sectors beyond just construction.

a boom in real estate

Specifies the real estate market as the area experiencing rapid expansion and increased activity.

a flurry of investment

Emphasizes the sudden and intense increase in financial investments directed towards development projects.

a growth spurt

Implies a sudden and noticeable burst of development, often used in the context of urban planning or economic expansion.

an expansion phase

Describes a stage of enlargement and outreach, referring to a systematic increase rather than an isolated event.

a transformative period

Highlights the significant and lasting changes resulting from the development, emphasizing its impact.

rapid urbanization

Focuses on the increasing concentration of population in urban areas, indicating significant urban expansion.

a renaissance

Suggests a rebirth or revival of development, implying a cultural or artistic flourishing alongside physical growth.

FAQs

How can I use "a wave of development" in a sentence?

You can use "a wave of development" to describe a period characterized by significant construction, investment, or progress in a particular area. For example, "The city experienced "a wave of development" after the new transportation infrastructure was completed."

What are some alternatives to "a wave of development"?

Some alternatives include "a surge in construction", "a building boom", or "a period of rapid growth" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the wave of developments"?

While grammatically acceptable, "the wave of developments" is less common than "a wave of development". The latter emphasizes the overall trend rather than individual projects.

What distinguishes "a wave of development" from "economic growth"?

"A wave of development" often implies physical construction and infrastructure changes, whereas "economic growth" is a broader term that encompasses financial and market expansion. "A wave of development" can contribute to /s/economic+growth, but they aren't interchangeable.